If you keep your firearm on you, then a good holster is an absolute necessity for safety and comfort. How to wear a gun holster isn't always as intuitive as you first may think though. Holsters are precisely designed to be safe, comfortable, and discreet, but this sophisticated level of engineering can sometimes make them complicated until you get comfortable with their use.
Knowing how to put on a gun holster and wear it effectively is an important part of firearm safety. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of gun holsters, and how to wear each one comfortably and effectively.
Types of Holsters
There are many types of holsters, and even among each type there are lots of variations based on your personal preference or what you find comfortable. As you learn more about each holster type, you may find that some are better for some situations than others. Each offers its own feel and positioning of your handgun, so everyone will have a different personal preference on which type they find most appealing.
We'll cover how to wear a few of the more popular types of pistol holsters here, including:
- Ankle holsters
- Back holsters
- Waist holsters
- IWB holsters
- Thigh holsters
Below we'll also dive into what the best concealed carry positions for holsters are, what the major perks of each type of holster are, how to wear a concealed carry holster, and what the most comfortable concealed carry holster is.
How to wear an ankle holster
Ankle holsters provide a lot of flexibility due to their position on your lower leg. This means it can easily either be worn outside pants as an open carry or under a pant leg as a concealed carry. You can wear it on either leg, on the outside or inside depending on which draw hand you prefer. Many people find ankle holsters incredibly comfortable and less obtrusive for daily use than holsters that sit higher on their body.
To wear an ankle holster properly:
- Wrap the strap snugly around your ankle, but be careful not to over tighten and restrict your circulation.
- Adjust the holster so that drawing from it feels comfortable and natural
- If your firearm rubs against your ankle with use, consider an ankle guard or a padded ankle holster more suited to daily use
How to wear a back holster or waist holster
Back or waist holsters are another popular option for concealed carry, but also are the most popular options for open carry. Drawing from a back holster can be difficult for some people, but for those that can easily accomplish the motion, a lower back holster can be an incredibly comfortable way to carry your handgun, and a very discreet way to carry a firearm. Waist holsters are incredibly traditional for good reason. Your hands have quick access to your gun whenever you should need it.
To wear a waist holster effectively, typically you simply connect it to a belt or clip it in. Then it's simply a matter of finding where it fits most comfortably and is most accessible.
Wearing a back holster properly is often much the same. Typically, back holsters will have a strap or clip that connects to your belt and then you adjust it so that your firearm fits comfortably in the small of your back.
How to wear an IWB holster
An inside the waistband holster (IWB) sits at your midsection, but rather than fixing outside your pants like a waist holster, an IWB holster instead fits comfortably under your pant line. These are also sometimes known as inside the belt holsters. This makes it one of the best options for daily concealed carry use, as it can be disguised in nearly any outfit.
How to wear an inside the waistband holster is typically just to clip it to the inside of your waistband or belt. They should be positioned wherever is comfortable for you, but typically people will choose to wear them just inside their hips for maximum comfort and access.
How to wear a thigh holster
A thigh holster is also called a drop leg holster. Typically, these types of holsters will attach to your belt, and sit on your thigh just below your groin. This type of holster isn't only incredibly discreet, but also lets the butt of your gun sit right where your hands naturally fall at a standing or sitting position.
To put on and wear your drop leg holster properly:
- Loop the holster around your thigh and tighten the straps to get it to sit snugly without impeding circulation.
- Fasten the holster to your belt to lock it in place
- Ensure a comfortable, stable fit and easy, natural access before you add in your firearm.
How to conceal carry with a holster
A high-quality, effective holster is really the only way to safely conceal and carry. Not only does a holster ensure that your gun stays right where you need it at all times, but it also protects it from damage or accidental discharge if you are in an unexpected accident. Especially if you are a daily concealed carrier, you need to find a holster that is comfortable, safe, and reliable day in and day out.
While opinions differ about what type of holster may be best, it comes down to personal taste a little. Depending on how you draw your gun and what activities you do on a daily basis, what's great for someone else may not be the best option for you. Many active gun carriers prefer something low-profile like a belly band holster for maximum comfort throughout the day, where others simply love the feel of a pistol holster hanging on their waist.
In the end, where to wear your gun is your decision. There are numerous options out there for different types of holsters. Hopefully, they feel a lot less overwhelming than they did before, and you're ready to safely and effectively strap on your holster for comfortable carrying throughout the entire day.
